What steps can we take to avoid running from God's will like Jonah? A Storm That Won’t Be Ignored “Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart.” (Jonah 1:4) • God personally initiated the storm; it was His deliberate response to Jonah’s flight. • The wind was corrective, not merely destructive—designed to turn Jonah around. • Disobedience never nullifies God’s call; it simply invites His loving discipline (Hebrews 12:6). Practical Steps to Keep from Running 1. Keep Scripture Front and Center • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Daily, open the Bible before the day opens you. God’s will is rarely unclear when His Word is near. 2. Cultivate a Listening Heart • “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • Quiet, surrendered moments train the soul to recognize God’s gentle promptings before a storm must shout. 3. Confess and Repent Quickly • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) • Short sin-lists keep us from long detours. Immediate repentance uproots rebellion before it grows legs. 4. Obey Promptly, Not Reluctantly • “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) • Delayed obedience morphs into disobedience. Act on the light you have, and God will give more. 5. Stay Accountable in Community • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Fellow believers notice drift we may excuse. Shared encouragement removes the secrecy that fuels flight. 6. Keep the Mission in View • “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) • Remember why you were sent. God’s heart beats for people—even the “Ninevehs” we’d rather avoid. 7. Trust God’s Character • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • When His will seems hard, anchor in who He is—wise, good, and committed to your ultimate joy (Romans 8:28). What Happens When We Yield Instead of Flee • Peace replaces panic: “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3) • God’s purposes advance: “So is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty.” (Isaiah 55:11) • Fellowship deepens: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” (John 15:10) • Others see and believe: “He put a new song in my mouth…many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:3) Closing Takeaway Jonah’s storm reminds us that running is costly, but surrender is priceless. By listening early, repenting quickly, obeying promptly, and trusting fully, we sidestep the whirlwind and step into the joy of walking squarely in God’s will. |
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